📚 China import course

The commercial invoice is the document submitted to customs, on which the duties are determined. Any error in it can cause delays or fines.

The elements of a correct commercial invoice

Seller details (the Chinese supplier):
- The company's full name in English and Chinese
- Full address
- Business registration number
- Contact details

Buyer details (you):
- Your name or your company's name
- Your full address in your country
- Commercial registration or ID number

Goods details:
- A detailed description of each item in English
- The HS code of each item (the international customs product code)
- Quantity and unit of measure
- Unit price and total price
- Currency (usually USD)

Shipping details:
- Invoice date
- Order number (PO Number)
- Delivery terms (Incoterms): FOB Shanghai, CIF Jeddah…
- Port of loading and port of arrival
- Payment method

Common mistakes to avoid:
1. A value lower than the real one (invoice undervaluation) — illegal and may lead to confiscation of the goods
2. A vague description such as "Goods" with no details
3. Omitting the HS code
4. Wrong currency or unclear prices

The HS code is an international 6–8 digit code that classifies every product. You can look it up on the WTO website or your country's customs site.